Hornell, New York

Paul R. George – 78 – of 34 Sawyer St. Site, Hornell, died unexpectedly Sunday evening (June 25, 2023) at the Steuben Center for Rehabilitation in Bath, NY.

Born in Hornell on April 26, 1945, he was the son of Henry & Helena (Ferrin) George.

Paul grew up in Almond, NY and attended Alfred-Almond Central School.  He grew up on the family farm and worked the farm passionately until it was sold in the late 1990s.

Paul had been a communicant of St. Brendan’s Church of Almond.  He was an avid NASCAR fan and also enjoyed fishing.  He was a true outdoorsman who, in his younger years, enjoyed camping, hunting and motorcycle riding.  Paul often talked about taking “road trips” with his brothers.  In recent years he simply loved going for a long drive throughout the countryside and appreciating the beauty of “Mother Nature.”  Paul loved spending time watching old westerns on TV, his favorite being Gunsmoke.  His greatest joy, however, was simply spending time with his children and grandchildren.

He had been married and divorced to the former Linda Willis with whom he remained friends until her death in 2017.  On January 8, 2005 Paul married the former Michelle “Mickey” Carlton who died in 2013.  He was also preceded in death by his brother, John George; his nephew, Frankie George; his sister-in-law, Sylvia George; his “feathered friend,” Rocky; several aunts & uncles.

Surviving are his daughter, Amanda (Richard Stevens) George of Hornell; 3 sons, Jason George of Ballston Spa, NY, Joshua George of Hornell and Jacob (Kim Bancroft) George of Hornell; 12 siblings, Nick (Patsy) George, Frank (Eunice Darnell) George, Joann George, Rosie George, Polly (Steve) Mehlenbacher, Edward (Laurie) George, Philip (Cathy) George, Charlie George, Chris (Debbie) George, Theresa George, Lucy George and Jessie (Kevin) Howe; his grandchildren, Jamie VanValkenburg, Cody George, Danielle Stromsness, Syble Billings, Logan Bancroft, Emily Bancroft, Kasey George and Jacob Dawson George;  many nieces & nephews.

The family of Paul R. George will receive friends on Sunday, August 27, 2023 from 12:00 Noon until 2:00 PM at the Dagon Funeral Home, 38 Church St., Hornell, NY. A Memorial Service will be celebrated at the conclusion of calling hours at 2:00 PM with Deacon Robert McCormick officiating. A “Celebration of Life” will also be held at a time, date & place to be announced.

Funeral arrangements are in care of the Dagon Funeral Home, 38 Church St., Hornell, NY.

Paul’s family request that in lieu of flowers, memorial in his name be made to a charity of the donor’s choice.

To leave an online condolence or share a memory, visit www.dagonfuneralhome.com.

Bath, New York

Harold J. Cudney JR – 64 – of West Washington St., Bath, died unexpectedly on Monday (June 12, 2023) at his home.

Born in the Bronx, NY on August 31, 1958, he was the son of Harold & Grace (Carlucci) Cudney.

He was a Veteran of the US Army, serving his country in 1977.  He resided in the Bronx during his younger years and later lived on Long Island.

Harold was preceded in death by his wife, Sharon Cudney and his sister, Caroline O’Dell.

Surviving are his son, Harold Cudney JR; his daughter, Grace Cudney; 3 sisters, Arlene Sexton, Loraine Cudney and Virginia Lamas; along with several nieces & nephews.

There will be no calling hours.  Private services will be held at the convenience of the family.

Funeral arrangements are in care of the Dagon Funeral Home, 38 Church St., Hornell, NY.

Harold’s family request that in lieu of flowers, memorial contributions in his name be made to a charity of the donor’s choice.

To leave an online condolence or share a memory, visit www.dagonfuneralhome.com

Hornell, New York

Steven Paul “Steve” Drone, also affectionately known as “Deacon” – 73 – passed away unexpectedly on June 8, 2023 at his home in DeBary, Florida.

He was born in Salamanca on November 25, 1949, the son of John and Gladys (Oakes) Drone.

Steve began his life in Salamanca for five years, before his family relocated to Hornell in 1955. In his younger years, he loved living in Hornell’s Armory Place neighborhood, where he developed many life-long friendships. His memorable childhood and young adulthood on Armory Place were cherished by Steve and his friends.

He was a graduate of Hornell Senior High School (class of 1967) and later attended Alfred Agricultural and Technical College (now SUNY Alfred State).

Steve was drafted into the U.S. Army on May 25, 1970. He began his tours of duty with the rank of Private. Steve participated in several crucial battles during the Vietnam War from December 1, 1970 – May 31, 1971. He earned several merits and awards, including The Bronze Star Medal and The Army Commendation Medal. Concluding his military career with the rank of U.S. Army Corporal, Steve was honorably discharged on May 1, 1976.

Following his honorable discharge, Steve was employed at the Bath VA. He was a communicant of St. Ann’s Church and enjoyed visiting with friends at the American Legion, where he was a member. Steve retired from the Bath VA in 2010. Upon his retirement, he relocated to Orlando, FL.

Steve loved living in the Orlando area, where he cared for his beloved dog Baby Girl. He enjoyed watching and attending sporting events. Steve was an avid fan of the New York Yankees, Los Angeles Dodgers, the Boston Celtics, the Buffalo Bills, Cleveland Browns, Muhammad Ali, and several golfers, including Lee Trevino.

Possessing a deep love of music, Steve was a devoted fan of Bob Dylan and many bands and artists from the 1960s – 1970s.

Steve valued his friends and family above all else. The Drone family is especially grateful for the friendship Steve had with Ed Smith, with whom he kept in weekly contact. Robert “Bobby” Eveland, Lewis “Louie” Lecceardone, and many others remained loyal friends throughout his lifetime.

He was preceded in death by his father, John Drone Sr.; his mother, Gladys Drone; his oldest brother John F. Drone Jr.; along with several extended family members.

He is survived by his older brother, Robert (Doris Pietrzak) Drone; his younger brother Mark (Helen Ratliff) Drone; and his sisters, Catherine (Bruce McLeod) Rohan, Cora Lynn New, and Lorie Downey. Steve is also survived by his maternal aunt, Mary Lou (Oakes) LaRuche and several nieces, nephews, and cousins.

Steve will be greatly missed by his family and friends.

A Memorial Service with Military Honors will be held at the Bath National Cemetery at a date & time to be announced.

Funeral arrangements are being coordinated by Dagon Funeral Home, 38 Church St., Hornell, NY.

To leave an online condolence or share a memory, visit www.dagonfuneralhome.com.

Alfred, New York

M. Kathleen “Kate” (Fréchette) Foshee – 74 – of West University St., Alfred, NY, died Tuesday evening (June 6, 2023) at Maple City Rehab & Nursing Facility in Hornell. She had been in poor health for several years, especially since the loss of her beloved husband, Bill in 2018. In spite of having met later in life, Kate & Bill shared 33 years of a wonderful marriage.

Born in North Hornell on February 17, 1949, she was the daughter of Van Derck & Sarah (Houghton) Fréchette in the old Bethesda Community Hospital.

Kate was raised in Alfred, graduating from Alfred-Almond Central School in 1968. After being trained as a Nurse’s Aide at Bergen Mercy Hospital in Omaha, NE, she returned to work in that capacity at Jones Memorial Hospital in Wellsville, NY. When the Flood of 1972 ripped away a whole wing of Jones Memorial Hospital and her job along with it, Kate made the decision to return to Alfred to pursue a degree in nursing at Alfred University and graduated RN/BSN in 1974 with honors. What followed was 40+ years of caring, skillful, compassionate care for thousands, or maybe hundreds of thousands of people and their family & friends. Clara Barton would have been proud of her!!

She was preceded in death by her parents, Van Derck & Sarah Fréchette; and her husband, Bill Foshee.

Surviving are three older brothers, William (Ginny) Fréchette, Derck (Janis) Fréchette and Christopher (Wyn) Fréchette; her younger sister, Judith “Jude” Fréchette; as well as several nieces, nephews, great-nieces & great-nephews.

At Kate’s request there will be no calling hours or services at this time. Funeral arrangements are in care of the Dagon Funeral Home, 38 Church St., Hornell, NY.

Kate had a love of horses, squirrels, cats, dogs and enjoyed watching animal documentaries on TV, so it would be appropriate donate in her memory to the SPCA of Allegany County or to your favorite PBS Station.

To leave an online condolence or share a memory, visit www.dagonfuneralhome.com

Hornell, New York

Floyd L. Loper – 82 – of County Route 70A (Big Creek Road), Hornell died Tuesday afternoon (June 6, 2023) at his home, surrounded by his family, following a long illness.

Born in Hornell on March 21, 1941, he was the son of Floyd & Eleanor (Murray) Loper.

Floyd grew up in Hornell and later graduated from Hornell High School, class of 1960. While in high school, Floyd worked on his family’s farm. He raised and showed Ashier cows. Floyd won the state championship multiple years with his bull, Herman, and even showed him at the World’s Fair in Chicago.

He served his country in the US Navy aboard the USS Saratoga from 1960 – 1962. He was honorably discharged when his father became ill and he needed to return to the family farm. Floyd later worked for the Erie Railroad and Dunkirk Ice Cream, and for over 35 years as a welder at Foster Wheeler Corporation in Dansville. During the years that Foster Wheeler was closed and until they reopened, he was employed as a welder on the Tappan Zee Bridge.

Floyd was married on May 21, 1965 to his high school sweetheart, Charlene Miller Loper, who predeceased him in 2021. He was also was preceded in death by his three sisters, Deatta Jamison, Hilda Norton, and Harriett Theilen.

Surviving are his son, Jeffrey (Christina) Loper of Hornell; his daughter, Michele (Ed) Flaitz of Hornell; 5 grandchildren, Jacob (Isabelle) Loper, Jessica Loper, AnnaMarie Flaitz, Emma Flaitz & Elaina Flaitz.

He and Charlene shared a true love story for 56 years. Floyd would walk over 6 miles every day after school to make sure Charlene got home safe. After they were married, they began building their own home. They lived a wonderful life together raising their family. They spent countless hours boating on Keuka Lake when not working or spending time on their own property.

Floyd had a love for the outdoors and spent his free time ice fishing, salmon fishing on Lake Ontario, and deer hunting on his property. He also enjoyed four-wheeling with his grandchildren all over their land and having picnics at the picnic table that he built. Additionally, he loved watching drag racing. One of his greatest joys came from watching his son and grandson race and helping them prepare and maintain their bike and dragster on race day.

A true handyman, Floyd could build or fix anything. He was always outside “tinkering” on something. Until the age of 75, he was still riding into the woods, cutting down trees, and chopping them up to heat his home. Floyd was loving, strong, and a great jokester, something he never lost even during his long battle with Alzheimer’s.

The family would like to thank Tender Loving Home Care for the wonderful care Floyd received the last 4 years. We are grateful he was able to remain in his home that he so dearly loved.

At Floyd’s request there will be no calling hours. A private graveside service will be held at St. Mary’s Cemetery at the convenience of the family with Deacon Robert McCormick officiating.

Funeral arrangements are in care of the Dagon Funeral Home, 38 Church St., Hornell, NY.

To leave an online condolence or share a memory, visit www.dagonfuneralhome.com.

Hornell, NY / Bradenton, FL

Theresa Lorraine Cortese-Zampello, age 67, of Bradenton, FL passed away on March 28, 2023 after a courageous battle with a long-term illness.

Born in Hornell on July 14, 1955, she was the daughter of James and Mary (Orzechowski) Cortese.

Theresa, who grew up in North Hornell, graduated from the Hornell Senior High School (Class of ’73); thereafter, she attended SUNY at Brockport. She will always be remembered for her sharp mind and quick wit.

She was preceded in death by her father, Jim Cortese and her son, Preston Talley.

Surviving are two sons, Jarrad Talley and Trevor Talley; her daughter, Erica Zampello, all from the Bradenton, FL area. She is also survived by her mother, Mary Cortese; and five siblings, Patrick, Jeannie, Thomas, Michael, and Paul Cortese; as well as many aunts, uncles, cousins, nephews, nieces, and longtime partner, Richard Guidice.

At Theresa’s request there will be no calling hours. A private graveside service will be held at St. Mary’s Cemetery at the convenience of the family with Deacon Robert McCormick officiating.

Funeral arrangements are in care of the Dagon Funeral Home, 38 Church St., Hornell, NY.

Theresa’s family request that memorial contributions in her name be made to a charity of the donor’s choice.

To leave an online condolence or share a memory, visit www.dagonfuneralhome.com.

Hornell, New York

Mary T. Pollizi – (62) – of 106 Hornell St., Hornell, died early Monday morning (May 29, 2023) at her home, surrounded by her loving family following a courageous battle with cancer.

Born in Hornell on November 14, 1960, she was the daughter of Francis & Barbara (Norton) Pollizi.

Mary grew up in Hornell and was a graduate of Hornell High School (class of 1979). For about 11 years she was employed at the former Red Barn Family Restaurant as a counter-girl and later as assistant manager and for 20 years served as a Home Healthcare Giver in the Hornell area. Most recently, Mary was employed at Stephens Auto in Hornell, serving in many capacities including warehouse worker, attending the counter and manning the phones.

She was a member of Our Lady of the Valley Parish and a communicant of St. Ann’s Church. Mary was an avid reader of romance novels and mystery novels and enjoyed coloring in stress relief books. She had a deep appreciation of all music and in her younger years loved dancing. She was a die-hard Buffalo Bills Football fan and especially loved the Super Bowl years. Her greatest joy in life was simply spending time with her family, especially her grandkids.

Mary was preceded in death by her father, Francis “Fran” Pollizi along with her paternal grandparents, Anthony & Rose Pollizi and maternal grandparents, Claire & Margaret Norton.

Surviving are 2 sons, Jeremy (Nichole) Pollizi of Hornell and Steven Pollizi of Hornell; 2 daughters, Jennifer DePietro of Long Island and Rochelle Houghtaling of Buffalo; her mother Barbara Pollizi of Hornell; 3 brothers, Michael (Kelley) Pollizi of Hornell, Thomas (Margaret) Pollizi of Rochester and Timothy Pollizi of Hornell; 3 sisters, Deborah Stauffer of Ft. Meyers, FL, Rose (Richard) Bartlet of Hornell and Lori (Mark) Corso of Arkport; 3 grandchildren, Ryleigh Pollizi, Reid Pollizi and Conner Pollizi; many nieces, nephews & cousins.

The family of Mary T. Pollizi will receive friend on Monday from 12:00 (noon) – 2:00 PM at the Dagon Funeral Home, 38 Church St., Hornell, NY. A Memorial Service will be held at the conclusion of calling hours at 2:00 PM with Deacon Robert McCormick officiating. Final interment will be in St. Mary’s Cemetery.

A special “Thank-You” to the wonderful caregivers at Care First Hospice for their compassion & kindness shown to Mary and her family.

Mary’s family requests that in lieu of flowers, memorial contributions in her name be made to the Care First Hospice, 3805 Meads Creek Rd., Painted Post, NY 14870 or to the American Cancer Society, 13 Beech St., Johnson City, NY 13790. Memorial forms will be available at the Dagon Funeral Home.

To leave an online condolence or share a memory, visit www.dagonfuneralhome.com.

Hornell, New York

Mary Lou Markham – (88) – of 83 Platt St., Hornell, died unexpectedly Saturday afternoon (May 27, 2023) at St. James Hospital where she was taken after being stricken at home.

Born in Hornell on June 4, 1934, she was the daughter of Francis & Josephine (Ely) Markham and the step-daughter of Dorothy Roe Markham.

Mary Lou grew up in Hornell and was a graduate of Hornell High School (class of 1953). She was employed for 22 years in many capacities at the former Corbin Wood Products in Hornell. When Corbin’s Wood Products closed its doors in 1976, Mary Lou made the decision to become a hairdresser and beautician. In 1977 she enrolled in Beautician School in Olean and became a licensed beautician. For over 40 years she owned & operated Mary Lou’s Hair Salon in Hornell.

She was a member of Our Lady of the Valley Parish and a communicant of St. Ann’s Church. She enjoyed spending time in the kitchen cooking & baking. She also loved working outside in her garden raising tomato plants and beautiful flowers. Mary Lou enjoyed sports and in her younger years enjoyed bowling.

In addition to her parents and step-mother, Mary Lou was preceded in death by her sisters, Sandra Ray (died 2007) and Loretta Markham (died 2016); her nephew, John Ray (died 2023) her longtime companion, John “Jack” Generalli (died 2021).

Surviving are her nieces & nephews, Robert “Bobby” (Terri) Ray, Joe (Colleen) Ray, Lisa Stubbs and Lynn (Tony) Jones; several great-nieces and great-nephews.

At Mary Lou’s request there will be no calling hours. A Mass of Christian Burial will be celebrated on Saturday at 10:00 AM at St. Ann’s Church with burial in St. Mary’s Cemetery.

Funeral arrangements are in care of the Dagon Funeral Home, 38 Church St., Hornell, NY.

Mary Lou’s family request that in lieu of flowers, memorial contributions in her name be made to either the Hornell Humane Society, 7649 Industrial Park Road, Hornell, NY 14843 or to St. Jude Children’s Hospital, 501 St. Jude Pl., Memphis, TN 38105.

To leave an online condolence or share a memory, visit www.dagonfuneralhome.com.

Hornell, NY

Joanne Marie Porcaro – 88 – of 119 East Elm St., Hornell, died early Saturday morning (May 27, 2023) at St. James Hospital, following a brief illness.

A native & life resident of Hornell, she was born September 11, 1934 and was the daughter of Frank & Edna (Norton) Secondo.

Joanne attended Bryant School, Hornell Junior High School and was a graduate of Hornell High School (Class of 1952).

For a time, Joanne was employed as a sales clerk at the former Cards Drug Store in Hornell. She also served as a cook at the Hornell Knights of Columbus, working countless private parties. For many years she was employed as a cook in the cafeteria of the Hornell High School, whipping up delicious meals for hundreds of hungry students and teachers every day.

Joanne was a member of Our Lady of the Valley Parish and a communicant of St. Ann’s Church where she donated countless hours as a member of the St. Ann’s Church cleaning Crew. She had also been a member of the Ladies of Columbus and a lifetime member of the G. Carducci Lodge (Sons of Italy). Having a great “culinary gift,” Joanne loved cooking & baking especially for family gatherings and holidays. No one ever left her home hungry!

She was married on May 26, 1956 to Leo J. Porcaro for 63 years, who died March 4, 2020. Joanne was also preceded in death by 4 sisters, Mary Ann Losecco, Dorothy Ermy, Janice Davis & Patty Lenhart; her brother, Karl Secondo; and her son-in-law, George “Joe” Richardson.

Surviving are 2 daughters, Rene Richardson of St. Petersburg, FL and Mary Magari of Syracuse; 2 sons, Richard “Rick” Porcaro of Hornell and Nicholas (Kathleen) Porcaro of Arkport; 1 brother, Frank Secondo of Mesa, AZ; her grandchildren, Joey Porcaro, Amy (Matt) Baldassare, Elizabeth “Liz” (Chris) Gandolfo, Kathryn Porcaro, Julie (Philip) Rubin, Jill (Craig) Reeves, Phillip Magari, Kaleigh (Chris Lafler) Porcaro, Christopher (Kirsten) Porcaro and Nicole (Dustin) Romanos; her great-grandchildren, Vinny Baldassare, Christian Baldassare, Gabriel Baldassare, Emma Baldassare, Spencer Porcaro, Quinn Porcaro, Ford Gandolfo, Leo Romanos and Rylee Porcaro; many nieces & nephews.

The family of Joanne Marie Porcaro will receive friends on Wednesday from 4:00 PM – 6:00 PM at the Dagon Funeral Home, 38 Church St., Hornell, NY. A Mass of Christian Burial will be celebrated on Thursday at 10:00 AM at St. Ann’s Church. Burial will be in Bath National Cemetery next to her husband, Leo.

Joanne’s family request that in lieu of flowers, memorial contributions in her name be made to St. Ann’s Academy, 41 Genesee St., Hornell, NY 14843 or to a charity of the donor’s choice. Memorial forms will be available at the Dagon Funeral Home.

To leave an online condolence or share a memory, visit www.dagonfuneralhome.com.